Abstract
Cells obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage from patients with chronic nonspecific pulmonary inflammatory diseases were studied using light and electron microscopy and radioautography. Five morphological forms of alveolar macrophages, distinct in their structure and 3H-uridine content were described. A higher level of RNA synthesis has been revealed in alveolar macrophage forms 2 and 3 than in forms 1, 4 and 5; with it being lower in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes. It was shown that changes in the number of lavage cells and the structure-to-function characteristics in each cellular population depended on the phase of the inflammatory process. It was postulated that structural and metabolic heterogeneity of alveolar macrophages reflected the successive stages of cellular development from cell-precursors (through activation of protein synthesis) to cells with complete lysosomal cycle and the following phagocytosis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
